You can make recordings of bright subjects in dark surroundings by changing the shutter speed or Special Scene recording program, or by using the optional VL-5 Video Light or VFL-2 Video Flash Light.

Also, by using AGC Limit, you can make recordings in dark surroundings at a brightness close to how the scene actually looks.

This section explains how to change shooting modes.

Changing the shutter speed

1. Set the mode switch to < M >.

2. Turn on the camcorder.

3. Touch [ ].

4. Touch [Rec. Programs].

5. Touch [Tv Shutter-Pri. AE] and then set the desired shutter speed.

6. If you are recording in dark surroundings, set the shutter speed to 1/8, 1/15, or 1/30 seconds.

Note:

When recording in dark surroundings, you can obtain a brighter picture by using slow shutter speeds; however, image quality may not be as good and autofocus may not work well.

Changing a Special Scene recording program

If you set the Recording programs to the Special Scene recording program, such as [Low Light], which allows you to record bright subjects in dark surroundings, or [Night Scene], which allows you to record night scenes with low noise, you can make recordings with low noise, depending on the place or the subject.

1. Touch [ ].

2. Touch [Rec. Programs].

3. Touch [ Portrait^* ].

^*The current Special Scene recording program setting is displayed.

4. Drag your finger up and down to select the desired recording program.

Options

Special Scene Recording Program	Contents
Portrait	The camcorder uses a large aperture, to achieve a sharp focus on the subject while blurring the background.
Sports	To record sports scenes such as tennis or golf.
Night Scene	To record nightscapes with lower noise.
Snow	To record in bright ski resorts without the subject being underexposed.
Beach	To record on a sunny beach without the subject being underexposed.
Sunset	To record sunsets in vibrant colors.
Low Light	To record in low-light situations.
Spotlight	To record spotlit scenes.
Fireworks	To record fireworks.

• [ Portrait]/[ Sports]/[ Snow]/[ Beach]: The picture may not appear smooth during playback.
• [ Portrait]: The blur effect of the background increases the more you zoom in (T).
• [ Snow]/[ Beach]: The subject may become overexposed on cloudy days or in shaded places. Check the image on the screen.
• [ Low Light]:
  - Moving subjects may leave a trailing afterimage.
  - Picture quality may not be as good as in other modes.
  - White points may appear on the screen.
  - Autofocus may not work as well as in other modes. In such case, adjust the focus manually.
• [ Fireworks]:
  - To avoid camcorder blur (blur due to the camcorder moving) we recommend using a tripod.
  - In mode, slower shutter speeds are used so blur is more likely to occur. Stabilize the camcorder, for example, by mounting it on a tripod.